Headaches and migraines

Ouch! Always these headaches… How annoying is that?! We know better than anyone how this can affect you whilst carrying out your daily activities. Fortunately, FRISKFYSIO Amstelveen is here to help! Do you suffer from persistent or recurring headaches? Read below to find out when you should seek immediate medical attention. For symptoms without any warning signs, we’d be happy to assess whether physiotherapy is appropriate.

When should you seek immediate medical attention?

Contact your GP or the GP out-of-hours service immediately if the headache starts suddenly and is exceptionally severe, unlike anything you have experienced before. This also applies to sudden, severe headaches accompanied by, for example, a stiff neck, drowsiness, persistent vomiting, red patches on the skin or a fever, where you feel very unwell. Immediate medical assessment is also required in the event of a sudden, severe headache during pregnancy, shortly after giving birth, or following a blow to the head within the past six weeks.

Call 112 if the corner of your mouth suddenly droops, you lose strength in an arm or leg, or you have difficulty speaking, swallowing or seeing. Do not wait to see if these symptoms go away.

How does it feel?

One of the most common causes of headaches is tension-type headache. The pain often starts in your neck and then spreads to your whole head. It basically feels as if there’s a tight band around your head. Not very pleasant, then… Throbbing pain can also occur with headaches, and may even lead to nausea and vomiting.

A woman is looking at a note, with her hand against her forehead.

If you suffer from regular headaches, it is very important to eat healthily and do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every day. You should also ensure you get enough sleep and do regular breathing and relaxation exercises. Even if your symptoms keep coming back, it’s important to get in touch with us! This often enables us to prevent your symptoms from getting worse. During your first appointment at FRISKFYSIO Amstelveen, you’ll have a consultation and a thorough assessment, and one of our professionals will analyse your symptoms. Based on the results, we’ll determine which treatment is best suited to your condition(s). We will then draw up a clear treatment plan together, and you will be given some exercises to do at home.

A physiotherapist examines the neck of a seated client

How do headaches occur?

Headaches can have many different causes. These include:

  • Stress
  • Sitting in the same position often and for a long time
  • One-sided work
  • Insufficient exercise
  • A poor night's sleep
  • Poor (working) posture
  • Too much caffeine

Besides these non-specific causes, long-lasting and severe headaches can also have a specific physical cause. However, this is very rare.

Making an appointment

Do you suffer from persistent or recurring headaches without any of the warning signs mentioned above? At FRISKFYSIO Amstelveen, we’ll assess whether physiotherapy is suitable for your symptoms and discuss the options available. Are your headaches different or more severe than usual, or are you concerned? If so, please contact your GP first. If you experience any warning signs, do not wait for an appointment with a physiotherapist.

Consultation using a tablet at FRISKFYSIO Amstelveen

APPOINTMENTS AND CONTACT DETAILS

An appointment at FRISKFYSIO Amstelveen

Do you have any questions about treatment for headaches and migraines, or would you like to make an appointment? Please get in touch with our team or use the online booking tool.

Make an appointment

Call 085 5000 333

Would you prefer to send a message?

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR TREATMENT

Frequently asked questions about headaches and migraines

Click on a question to read the answer.

What types of headache are there?

There are various types of headache, such as migraine and tension-type headache. The cause is not always clear. Discuss any recurring or worrying headaches with your GP.

When can physiotherapy help with headaches?

For some people, headaches and neck problems go hand in hand. Physiotherapy can focus on limitations in movement. We will assess whether this is appropriate during the assessment.

Can physiotherapy cure migraines?

We cannot promise that. Migraine requires an individual medical assessment and treatment plan. Physiotherapy may play a complementary role in the management of any associated musculoskeletal symptoms.

When should I ring my GP straight away?

Call your GP or the GP out-of-hours service immediately if you experience a sudden, very severe headache, or a headache accompanied by a fever and a stiff neck, drowsiness or new symptoms of paralysis.

What can help when discussing my symptoms?

Make a note of when the headaches occur, how long they last, any accompanying symptoms and which medicines you are taking. Please bring this information with you to your appointment.

What do you look at during the initial assessment?

We will discuss your symptoms, goals and previous medical assessment. If appropriate, we will assess the range of motion and strain in your neck and shoulders.

How can I get some exercises to do at home?

If exercise is suitable for you, you will receive a personalised programme via the FRISK App. Your physiotherapist will explain how to do the exercises.